WYNNE — Wynne High School recognized academic success at its annual “Letter W” banquet Monday night. The event was held in the auditorium on the temporary high school campus.
Students and their families received a meal catered by the Wynne High School Junior ROTC. High school principal Dusty Meek delivered some welcoming remarks followed by a prayer from senior Brayden Mattox.
Former Arkansas Speaker of the House Davy Carter served as guest speaker. Carter encouraged the students to learn the lessons from the generations before them. He said the students are part of a generation with the most access to information, which can be good if they use it wisely.
Carter shared three lessons that he said have carried him far in life.
“Most important things in life – business, politics, just in general – operate in a gray area, and you have to learn how to navigate through this gray area if you want to be a high achiever in whatever field that you take,” he said. “I’m not talking about fundamental things like love, faith, those types of things. You’ve got to be grounded in what you believe in. But I’ve learned in legal, political, and business career there are no easy black-and-white answers to difficult and important things. From a business standpoint, everything that’s very valuable and there’s a lot of money at stake, there are hard decisions.”
Next, Carter encouraged the students to show up. He said that having a good network of people around you doesn’t come without trying. Finally, he said to be proud of being from Wynne and the Arkansas Delta. Carter said the students can get out and see other places, but that the journey will provide context with how great a place they currently live.
Carter also shared a message with the Class of 2024.
“I believe in you,” he said. “Keep your heads on straight. Follow the ‘do right’ rule. Learn continuously. Respect and listen to those older than you, especially your parents. Learn from them and you’re not going to mess up,” he said. “We’re counting on you. Y’all are winners and you’re going to do great things with your life. There are no limits.
“Everybody here present in your support group also believes in you,” Carter added. “Never forget how you’ve got to where you are and that’s with your family.”
A total of 62 students in grades 10 through 12 were recognized this year as “Letter W” recipients. Thirteen seniors received a “Letter W” for the fourth consecutive year.
